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How to stress less in 2018: Survey finds Aussies more stressed than ever

Australians are feeling more stressed than ever, with a lack of sleep, work pressures and even social media playing a role, a survey has found.

The number of stressed Aussies has jumped by about a third to 4.9 million during the past decade, research by health fund Medibank shows.

Most blamed a lack of sleep, trying to juggle too many things and work pressures for causing them to feel stressed.

Housing affordability, pressures from social media and the global political climate also contributed.

The majority of the 1000 people surveyed also believed their stress levels had affected their sleep and social relationships.

Half said they'd been irritable towards loved ones and colleagues, while just over a third were reluctant to take part in social activities and 18 percent felt they couldn't be 'there' for family members.

Medibank chief medical officer Dr Linda Swan said the research also found people who were affected by stress were more likely to suffer from mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

"It's clear 2017 has been a tough year for many, with both personal and wider societal pressures being the major contributors to our stress. That's why it's essential we do everything we can to take care of our mental wellbeing and continue to look out for one another as we enter a new year."

Aussies are feeling more stressed than ever. (AAP)

Stressed out Aussies:

* Number of Australians affected by stress in 2007/08: 3.7m

* Number of Australians affected by stress in 2016/17: 4.9m

* 44 percent said lack of sleep was a key contributor

* 39 percent blamed work pressures

* 36 percent said they juggled too many things

* 17 percent said housing affordability was a factor

* 12 percent attributed some of their stress to social media

* 11 percent said the global political climate was a factor

Seventy percent of those affected by stress admitted they “could have done more to manage their stress in 2017” – so start off 2018 right.

Nearly one in two (45 per cent) of those surveyed said they are going to aim to take more time for themselves in 2018.

How Aussies plan to be less stressed in 2018:

* 24 percent have plans to cut back on junk food

* 40 percent will spend more quality time with friends and family

* 39 percent are doing to start an exercise regime

* 26 percent plan to asking for help, both by leaning on family/friends and seeking professional support

* 22 percent are reducing their screen time

* 13 percent will get more engaged in the local community

(Source: Medibank)

Australian readers seeking support and information about depression can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.